Medicated Feed

One of the biggest myths floating around the internet is that medicated feed is toxic to waterfowl and no scientific data to back it up.

The most common and readily available medication in feed (most often found in chick starter) is Amprolium. Amprolium is safe for waterfowl as long as it is fed at the same levels used for chickens and turkeys.

Up until 2015 Histostat -50 (Nitarson) was used as a feed additive to help control blackhead in turkeys. This medication is extremely toxic to waterfowl. This medication is no longer available, but yet it continues to spread that medicated feed is not safe for waterfowl.

Monensin is toxic to Guinea Fowl, but it is not commonly used in major brands of commercial feed.

Sources/further reading:

FDA – Medicated Feed

Merck Vet Manual – Nutritional Requirements of Poultry

NCBI – Anticoccidial drugs and duckling performance to four weeks of age

Poultry Extension – BLACKHEAD IN POULTRY

FDA – Product Safety Information